FAFSA OVERVIEW

 
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW​

1. Available October 1. You should fill it out as close to that date as possible.
2. It typically takes less than 25 minutes to complete.There is no income cut off to qualify for federal student aid (LOANS).
3. Answering questions inaccurately will hold up your federal aid. Be sure to carefully check everything including the spelling of your name, social security number, income, etc.
4. If you are a dependent, you will report yours and your parent’s information. If your parents are divorced, you will report your custodial parent's information or the information for the parent you spend the most time with. If you are unsure whom to claim as your parent, click here for guidance.
5. If you are an independent student, you will report your own information, and if you are married, your spouse’s.
6. If you are not sure if you are a dependent or independent, click here to see a table to help you figure it out.
7. Click here to read about the basic eligibility criteria. Some are surprising. For example, all males between the ages of 18 to 25 must register with Selective Service to be eligible for federal aid.
8. You must list at least one college when filling out the FAFSA, and you can list up to 10 through the online application. If you have more colleges, you can add them later.

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

1. FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically. You can create a FSA ID by clicking here.
2. Social security number.
3. Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen).
4. Last year's federal income tax return, W-2s, and any other records of money earned. You may be able to use the IRS Date Retrieval Tool to transfer your data to the FAFSA. Click here to find out more information on how to do this and if you are eligible.
5. Bank statements and any investment statements.
6. Records of untaxed income (if applicable).​

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Fill out the FAFSA by supplying the information listed above.
2. Sign the FAFSA with your FSA ID, and hit submit.
3. After you submit the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Make sure you carefully look over ALL the information in the SAR to check its accuracy. Be sure to fix any errors immediately.

Click HERE for the online application.

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